HUNDREDS of people from across the city met at the Yorkshire Evening Post headquarters today to celebrate the launch of a brand new fund that aims to benefit people right here in Leeds – and now it’s your turn to get involved.

The Leeds Fund launched with representatives from charities, business and key partners turning up in droves to show their support for the scheme.

The launch of the Leeds Fund.

Now people in Leeds are being encouraged to dig deep and get behind the initiative, which aims to distribute £500,000 to groups in need every year by 2020.

YEP editor Nicola Furbisher said: “We are so proud to host the launch of what will be a vital lifeline for communities right here in Leeds.

“We have never before had one over-arching fund with such a huge pot of money to give out to those in need.

“Now it’s easier than ever to give something back to this fantastic city and its people.”

Nicola Furbisher, editor of the Yorkshire Evening Post, at the launch.

The Leeds Fund is run by the Leeds Community Foundation, which has helped distribute more than £27m since its launch.

Chief executive Sally-Anne Greenfield said: “Charities and community projects are suffering and it’s not right for us as a city not to have that conscience and desire to give something back.

“Our new mission is to create positive change in communities in Leeds that need it most.

“For people who want to give something to people in the city but don’t know how, we now have a solution.

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“Just think how incredible it will be to walk through the streets and communities in Leeds and feel and see that you have made a difference.”

Leeds-born TV presenter Gabby Logan is a patron of the fund, which is also supported by retailer John Lewis.

The first small community grants scheme will launch on July 1.

To donate to the cause or for more information about the Leeds Fund, you can visit the website at www.theleedsfund.org.uk.